More adjustment packages available for net-free fishing zones

Further support is now available for eligible commercial fishers, skippers and crew affected by the implementation of Queensland’s Future Fishing Taskforce recommendations in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Great Sandy Marine Park (GSMP) and Gulf of Carpentaria. 

So far, almost $35 million in support has been given directly to eligible fishers, and 28 three-year temporary NX licences have been issued to maintain the supply of wild-caught barramundi and other high-value species to consumers.  

In this new stage, $15.9 million is available to support: 

• Gulf of Carpentaria commercial fishers impacted by the recently announced gillnet-free areas 
• skippers and crew of commercial fishers affected by the phase-out of gillnets in the Great Barrier Reef, changes to the Great Sandy Marine Park zoning plan or the new Gulf of Carpentaria gillnet-free areas 
• commercial fishers without N1, N2 or N4 on their licence who want to surrender their licence or symbols 
• Great Sandy Marine Park commercial aquarium fishers 
• hammerhead shark commercial fishers. 

The $3,000 grants for independent advice, and quota and loss of income payments released late last year are also still available for eligible fishers in the GBR and GSMP. 

Additional support will be available in the middle of this year, including payments for impacted supply chain businesses, grants to refit gillnet fishing boats, and a gillnet buy-back. 

Applications can be made via the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority, while free and confidential assistance in completing applications is available from the Rural Financial Counselling Service in southern Queensland or northern Queensland. 

The suite of measures to phase out large-mesh commercial gillnet fishing on the reef, and reduce other high-risk fishing activities that threaten the reef’s World Heritage status, form part of commitments made by the Queensland Government to UNESCO to protect the reef. 

Quotes attributable the Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner: 

“We’re committed to a sustainable seafood industry in Queensland.

“This next stage of structural adjustment payments aims to reduce effort in other fisheries in the Great Barrier Reef and the Gulf of Carpentaria by implementing new gillnet free areas and offering generous incentives to eligible commercial fishers to surrender their licences and symbols.

”Commercial fishers impacted by the new gillnet free areas will be paid for their loss of income. 

“In recognition of the impacts these changes have had on the employees of commercial fishers, this stage also includes support payments for skippers and crew who were employed to fish on eligible vessels.

“We acknowledge the impacts of these changes on the industry and the contribution of commercial fishers who have already taken up the opportunity to apply for structural adjustment payments.” 

Apply online @ QRIDA or call 1800 623 946. Applications need to be received by 30 June 2024.